Peperonata recipe

One of the most typical recipes of Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, peperonata, served as an antipasto, a side dish or a main course, is composed of peppers with garlic, onion and tomato. This staple can be served hot or cold, making it the perfect all year round dish.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:
3 bell peppers (red, yellow and green)
1.5 lb heirloom tomatoes (mixed colors)
1 red onion (small)
1/2 leek (optional)
2 cloves garlic - minced
1 pinch red pepper flakes (or to taste)
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil + more as needed
1/3 cup fresh herbs (basil, chives + oregano)
1 tsp sea salt + more to taste
1 lemon
Parmigiano-Reggiano DOP (to garnish)

Instructions:
Step 1:

Slice the leek in half lengthwise and reserve half for later. Slice up the other half and rinse it well in a bowl of cold water. Scoop the leeks out of the water and dry them well on a tea towel. Warm up a large skillet on medium low flame. Add 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and the leeks with a pinch of sea salt. Saute for about 10 minutes until they start to get some color. Add the red pepper flakes. Rinse and cut the bell peppers into 1 inch pieces. Add them to the skillet with the leeks and give everything a good stir. Slice the red onion into 1 inch pieces as well and add it to the skillet. Stir well and cook everything together for about 10 minutes until the peppers start to soften and get some color.

Step 2:

Meanwhile wash and cut the tomatoes into wedges or similar size pieces with the peppers. Add the minced garlic to the pan and give everything a good stir. Cook 30 seconds then add the tomatoes. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and cover with a lid. Cook another 5 minutes or so until the tomatoes burst and release their juices.

Step 3:

Squeeze the juice from half a lemon to the Peperonata, taste and adjust seasonings with more sea salt and lemon juice. Remove from heat and finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive and sprinkle with the fresh basil, chives and oregano. Grate desired amount of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve with crusty bread, creamy polenta, your favorite short pasta or cous cous.

Nutrition Calories:

310kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 834mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 4395IU | Vitamin C: 156.8mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 3.2mg

Servings: 4 people
Calories: 310kcal